Jean-François-Pierre Peyron

Born in Aix-en-Provence, Pierre Peyron (he seems never to have used his full name, Jean-François Pierre) trained first in Aix, and then from 1767 under L.-J.-F. Lagrenée in Paris. In 1773 he won the Prix de Rome, and subsequently spent the years 1775-82 in Rome before returning to Paris. Peyron was Jacques-Louis David's major rival, but his critical reputation greatly suffered when his 'Death of Socrates' was compared to that of David when both were exhibited at the 1787 Salon.

Peyron specialised in subject matter taken from the ancient authors and the two paintings by him recently acquired by the Gallery testify to this interest.